Mycobiota of Acorn Worm Saccoglossus mereschkowskii (Hemichordata, Enteropneusta) and Its Habitats.

Abstract

Tissues and mucus of acorn worms are known to contain phenolic compounds, which inhibit activity of aerobic bacteria. Mycobiota of tissues, the body surface, and burrows were studied for the acorn worm Saccoglossus mereschkowskii (Wagner, 1885). Three fungal species were found in the plating of intestine samples. Seven fungi were isolated from samples washed out from the S. mereschkowskii body surface. Five species were found in burrow samples; and 15, in sediment samples from the S. mereschkowskii habitat. Cultures of intact specimens, gill bars, and axial organ did not reveal the growth of mycelial fungi. A potential fungistatic effect was consequently assumed for acorn worm tissues.